Here’s when you’ll get your tax refund from the IRS
January 29, 2026
Tax season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15. If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to receive your refund. If you choose to receive your refund with direct deposit, it should take even less time. When filing a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer. The IRS cautions that taxpayers not rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.